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New Hampshire Senate Panel to Air New Gambling Bill

"While some lawmakers and race track operators, including Lakes Region Greyhound Park's Al Hart, look at such legislation as a solution to state funding problems and a good business opportunity, others feel it is a bad choice for New Hampshire.

"…`The citizens of this state have by an overwhelming majority supported such controlled gambling at race tracks as a source of revenue. We don't want a income tax, we don't want a sales tax and we don't want a property tax. I look at this as a way for the state to bring in revenue,' said [Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester, chairman of the committee].

"According to the Manchester senator, money returned to the state from such gaming could be substantial and a decision to permit it could end the gridlock and debate plaguing the state's government.

"…While D'Allesandro supports such gambling as a source of revenue for the state, Belmont local track operator, Hart, sees it as boosting his business. He said he is almost certain that he would have to add onto his Lakes Region Greyhound Park to accommodate the business such legalization would generate.

"…He explained that such gaming machines include video poker, lottery terminals, reel machines, but most importantly coin slot machines.

"From his years in the business, Hart said that it is the machines that pay back in coins that draw crowds to a business and get great play.

"…Despite excitement that such a vote could be on the floor of the legislature in the near future, Hart said that he isn't holding his breath. He reports having seen such initiatives come up and get shot down in the past…"

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